The Heimlich Maneuver: A Lifesaving Skill Everyone Should Know.
When a choking emergency happens, having the right skills can save a life. Invented by Dr. Henry Heimlich in 1974, the Heimlich maneuver remains one of the most effective first-aid responses for choking victims. Here’s what you need to know about this critical technique, its inventor, and how proper training makes all the difference.
Understanding Choking and the Heimlich Maneuver
Choking occurs when the airway becomes obstructed, preventing oxygen from reaching the lungs and brain. This can happen when food, small objects, or other materials become lodged in the throat. The Heimlich maneuver uses quick, upward abdominal thrusts to create an artificial cough, helping to dislodge the obstruction and restore airflow.
How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver and Adapt for Special Cases:
- For Adults: Stand behind the choking person and wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above the navel, below the ribcage. Grasp your fist with the other hand and deliver quick, upward abdominal thrusts. Repeat until the object is expelled or the person can breathe again.
- For Pregnant or Obese Individuals: If the person is pregnant or significantly obese, abdominal thrusts are not recommended. Instead, perform chest thrusts by standing behind the person and placing your hands in the center of their chest, on the lower half of the breastbone (sternum), avoiding the very bottom of the sternum. Deliver firm, inward thrusts to create pressure and dislodge the obstruction.
- For Infants: Use gentle back slaps and chest thrusts. Lay the infant face-down along your forearm, supporting their head and neck, and administer up to 5 firm back slaps between the shoulder blades. If the obstruction isn’t cleared, turn the infant face-up and use two fingers to deliver up to 5 chest thrusts in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line.
At BESTCPRUSA, our in-person classes provide hands-on instruction for choking emergencies across all age groups—adults, children, and infants. You’ll learn to adapt techniques for special situations, such as pregnancy or obesity, ensuring you’re ready to help anyone in need.
Why Training Matters: Success Rates and Challenges
When performed correctly, the Heimlich maneuver resolves airway obstructions in 70–86% of cases, according to research. The higher end of the range reflects cases where individuals are properly trained, confident, and able to respond quickly. However, even untrained individuals attempting the maneuver can save lives, though the success rate is lower due to common errors, such as incorrect hand placement or insufficient force.
Here’s the critical takeaway: with proper in-person training, like what we provide at BESTCPRUSA, you’ll learn to perform the Heimlich maneuver correctly and confidently, maximizing its effectiveness when every second counts.
Who Was Dr. Henry Heimlich?
Dr. Henry Heimlich, an American thoracic surgeon, developed the abdominal thrust technique in 1974 to address the high number of preventable deaths from choking. Existing methods, like back slaps, often worsened obstructions. His breakthrough was published in Emergency Medicine and quickly revolutionized first-aid practices, saving countless lives.
Choking by the Numbers
- According to NSC's Injury Facts, choking accounted for 5,553 deaths in 2022, making it the 4th leading cause of preventable injury death in the United States.
- Tragically, many of these deaths could be prevented with prompt action and proper technique.
Why Knowing the Heimlich Maneuver Matters
Choking emergencies can happen at any time—at home, during meals, or even in public places. Sadly, many people don’t feel prepared to intervene, but with proper training, you can make a life-saving difference.
Learn the Heimlich Maneuver with BestCPRUSA
At BESTCPRUSA, we believe everyone should be prepared to handle choking emergencies. In our in-person CPR and first aid classes, you’ll get hands-on practice and personalized feedback to build your confidence and ensure you’re ready to act. Whether it’s in one of our classrooms or at your workplace, we make it easy to learn life-saving skills.
At BESTCPRUSA, we offer in-person training for individuals and businesses alike! From community classes in our many classrooms to customized training for workplaces where we come to you. We’re here to empower everyone with the knowledge to save lives.
Don't wait – become the lifesaver your community needs. Sign up for a class today!
Ofrecemos clases en español. ¡Aprende habilidades que salvan vidas en tu idioma!
Sign Up Today
Conclusion
Choking occurs when the airway becomes obstructed, preventing oxygen from reaching the lungs and brain. This can happen when food, small objects, or other materials become lodged in the throat. The Heimlich maneuver uses quick, upward abdominal thrusts to create an artificial cough, helping to dislodge the obstruction and restore airflow.
.svg)
